Maine CDC warns of hepatitis outbreak at Durham event

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - The Maine CDC says they are investigating a case of hepatitis A that has been traced to a community event in Durham, Maine over the weekend of September 28th.

CDC officials say the person infected with hepatitis A prepared and served food at the Durham Friends Meetinghouse on Saturday, September 28. Officials believe that roughly 100 people attended the church supper.

The Maine CDC is urging that anyone who attended the event, and ate prepared food there,should seek the vaccination immediately. Officials say when a vaccine is administered within two weeks of exposure to hepatitis A, the vaccination is very effective in preventing illness. Thy say that the end of the two-week window for effective treatment, in this case, is this Saturday, October 12.

There will be a vaccination clinic Wednesday, October 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Durham Eureka Community Center located at 605 Hallowell Road in Durham.

Maine CDC visited the church on Sunday to work with church officials to help reach anyone who may have been exposed to the virus. They say HAV is most commonly spread through consumption of contaminated food and is not spread through casual contact. Some signs and symptoms of hepatitis A include abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine and jaundice. Adults are more likely to show signs and symptoms of illness than children.
A healthcare provider can diagnose hepatitis A through a blood test.

For more information, contact Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821 or your healthcare provider.